Sean Weatherspoon injury: Falcons LB has minor ankle sprain

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was carted off the field with an ankle sprain in Sunday's win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but reports are that the injury is minor and could see him return to action without missing significant playing time.

Weatherspoon's injury was termed a low ankle sprain. The 2010 first-round pick was reportedly not in severe pain after the game, and head coach Mike Smith opted not to add details on Weatherspoon's status in his Monday press conference, which he typically does for serious injuries. As such, its believed that the injury is not considered major by Smith or the team.

Weatherspoon is considered likely to play in the Falcons' Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys. If Weatherspoon is unable to play, his backup is listed as Robert James, who only has two tackles in three careers with the Falcons. Weatherspoon is in his second season as a full-time starter and has been a key member of a defense that has allowed Atlanta to go 7-0 thus far.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.